Life is for living. We should have epic adventures and explore everything the world has to offer!
Unfortunately, not everything in the world is good. But how do we know what to avoid?
Enter the anti-bucket list, the list of things in life you should never try, not even once!
Your Anti-Bucket List
What types of things should fill an anti-bucket list?
We scoured the internet, looking for massive regrets and weird activities that you might want to avoid.
Some of the answers were eye-opening, while others were contrary to what society demands of a good life.
Consider the responses for yourself, and decide whether to remove any of these from your bucket list.
Get Married
A lot of people who suffered through an awful divorce tell younger folks to avoid marriage at all costs.
Getting married is the epitome of adulthood. It’s not even a bucket list activity; it’s just something millions of people automatically do because society tells us that’s what we’re supposed to do. And while it works for many people, it doesn’t work for everyone.
You shouldn’t get married to check an item off your list, or because you feel like you’re supposed to do it. Marriage is a lifetime commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You should only agree if you absolutely love your partner and want to spend your life working with them as your teammate.
Smoking
Smoking harms your health, the people around you, and the environment. In this day and age, where we know all the dangers of smoking, it’s a wonder that anyone even starts.
Governments worldwide are catching up, raising smoking ages to prevent younger generations from forming the nasty habit.
Don’t give in to the image of the cool kid smoking in the back alley outside school. Keep smoking firmly on your anti bucket list.
Illegal Drugs
Why do people even start with illicit substances?
This is one thing that will always and forever be on our anti-bucket list, and it should be on yours too. Don’t even try them.
Join a Cult
One Redditor admitted to being sucked into a cult on a college campus. On the surface, the group seemed normal, but it turned out to be a radical religious group.
Most people don’t want to join a cult but miss the warning signs and get conned into joining. Once in, it’s nearly impossible to get out. It’s far better to avoid joining in the first place.
Visit Sri Lanka
Most destinations are on travelers’ real bucket lists, not their anti-lists. However, one Redditor had a horrible experience in the Southeast Asian destination and refuses to return.
The commentator is a woman who was constantly harassed during her visit, and she also mentioned the culture of scamming Westerners as a reason to avoid the country.
Although this person specifically mentioned Sri Lanka, a lot of destinations are dangerous for women. We should keep India, most of the Middle East, Somalia, and other misogynistic countries on our anti bucket list until they learn to treat women like people.
Lick a Pole on a Cold Winter’s Day
If the iconic Christmas movie “A Christmas Story” taught us anything, it’s that children shouldn’t have BB guns and we shouldn’t lick cold metal poles.
Unfortunately, some of us can’t resist the temptation to taste a frosty metal pole and suffer the consequences. One Redditor sought to warn others, though it was unclear whether they actually did it.
I’ve had this on my anti-bucket list since before I knew what a bucket list was, and I hope you did too!
Ride the Tower of Terror
Many of us seek exhilarating thrills as part of our bucket lists, but it’s too much for some. One Redditor exclaimed that they would never again ride the iconic Tower of Terror ride, nor would they attempt to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Another Redditor agreed that tower drops are too much and mentioned they nearly flew out of their seat while riding one.
It takes a person with a strong stomach to handle such thrills. Though exhilarating rides and theme parks top many people’s bucket lists, there’s no shame in saying “no thank you.”
Credit Card Debt
Nobody has getting into credit card debt on their bucket list, but most of us agree that people who don’t already have it should avoid it at all costs.
It’s far too easy to get in over your head with credit card debt, and once you do, digging out is an awful struggle.
Those who’ve been there never want to return, and warn others to keep debt firmly on their anti-bucket lists.
A Random Tattoo
Why do people wander into a tattoo shop, pick a random design from the wall, and let that be on their body for the rest of their lives?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against tattoos. I have one myself. I think people should do whatever they want with their bodies.
But getting a meaningless tattoo is on my anti-bucket list. I don’t get the point.
Have Kids
Having kids should be on everyone’s anti-bucket list because it’s not something you just do to try it out. It’s a lifetime commitment that requires time, effort, money, and dedication, so you should only do it if you know you want it.
The child-free community is growing as more and more people realize they aren’t cut out for parenthood and don’t need to have children to live a fulfilling life.
Hopefully, the Redditors who put having kids on their anti-bucket lists don’t have kids already.
Skydiving
Why would you jump out of a perfectly good airplane?
The rush of adrenaline you receive when free-falling makes skydiving a top bucket list activity, but a lot of people give it a hard pass.
I’ve always wanted to try it, but I’m too scared to.
Underwater Caving
I’m PADI certified, and SCUBA diving is one of my top bucket list activities. However, there’s stuff I’ll never do while under the sea. Exploring caves tops that list.
SCUBA is dangerous enough as it is; I don’t want to add even more risk by trapping myself in a cave where there’s no place to surface.
Only experienced divers who have experience with caves should even attempt it.
Endure a Toxic Relationship
Hollywood sells the trope that love is drama. It’s a consuming passion that burns in agony.
Sure, that type of toxic relationship sells movie tickets, but it’s not the answer for real life. Don’t stay in a toxic relationship over some twisted view of what love feels like.
Real love is supportive and accepting.
Get a Dog
I love dogs, but I don’t love owning dogs. They limit my ability to travel, need constant attention, and require a bigger living space.
I regret getting dogs, and I’d caution everyone to not ever get a dog just because. If you really want a dog, do your research on the breed that will fit your lifestyle, and accept that dog ownership requires sacrifice.
Actually, the same holds true for any pet. Living creatures require care. Don’t do it just to say you’ve done it.
Get Caught in the Hype
That shiny new thing everyone is talking about sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
Stop and think for a moment.
Whether it’s an activity, opportunity, idea, or even a new movie, don’t jump all in just because everyone else is. Do you research and make your own decision. Leave the hype train on your anti-bucket list.
Limit Yourself
The top thing no one should ever do in life is limit themselves.
You are capable of anything. You can learn that difficult subject, earn that tough promotion, and live your dream life; you just need to believe you can.
Before you say no to opportunities, consider why. If it’s something you truly don’t want to do, then don’t. But if you’re just saying no due to fear or limiting beliefs, think again. Maybe you can if you have the will.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
Some of our anti-bucket list activities are must-dos for those seeking an epic life, while others are so common you might scratch your head wondering how they made the list.
The truth is that an anti-bucket list is just as personal as a bucket list. Everyone enjoys different things just as much as everyone hates different things.
While crafting your own lists, consider the things you enjoy, and don’t worry about what other people think.